ISTQB™: Saving costs through software testing

Quality is free - but only for those willing to pay a high price for it.
Tom DeMarco, American software developer

When it comes to developing new software, many companies mantra-like recite truisms: "Testing is destructive and only costs money, nerves, and valuable time. Instead, it's better to implement a few additional features, that pays off in the end. Besides, isn't it enough to start testing when the code is available?"

But what does it cost in the end to release faulty or even unfinished products to the market? Manufacturers and customers pay not only with their money, it also costs them their good reputation. The user doesn't want to be the beta tester. He wants to be able to work smoothly with the software.

There is no shortage of examples of small calculation errors with great impact. Most recently, in 2016, NASA experienced such a mishap with the Mars probe 'Schiaparelli'. You can find the complete case description in the PDF that we provide for download in this announcement.

Thorough testing is not magic, as evidenced by the certification of the International Software Testing Qualifications Board - abbreviated ISTQB™®.

At the Foundation Level of ISTQB™®, testers and quality officers learn, ...

• ... how to integrate test processes into software development at an international level.

• ... how test documentation should be structured according to international standards.

• ... which key performance indicators (KPI) are useful for measuring the quality of test processes and the planned quality goals.

Practical side effect: The guidelines taught by ISTQB™® are not only applicable to the IT industry. The principles can be easily applied interdisciplinarily, also in other fields.

In four days, you will be taught the necessary basic knowledge to lay the foundation for thoughtful, coordinated, and purpose-appropriate testing. At the end of the course, you have the opportunity to take the ISTQB™® Certified Tester - Foundation Level exam. An internationally recognized certificate that also opens up new opportunities in the professional world, as it is now required by many employers in the software industry!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Question:
Which topics are covered in the ISTQB™® course?

Answer:
The course provides solid basic knowledge on the following topics:

• Basics of software testing

• Testing in the software lifecycle

• Static testing

• Test design techniques

• Test management

• Test tools

The course materials are accredited by the German Testing Board and comprise approximately 1,000 slides.


Question:
Who should attend the ISTQB™® Certified Tester Foundation Level course?

Answer:
The basic knowledge is aimed at testers, test analysts, test managers, software developers, quality managers, and all other roles involved in the testing process.

The ISTQB™® Certified Tester Foundation Level is also the basis for qualification in all other ISTQB™® seminars, whether Advanced or Expert Level or one of the extension modules. This seminar imparts the basic knowledge needed for any specialization.


Question:
I have been working in the testing field for a long time and have a lot of professional experience. Can I take the exam directly - without the course?

Answer:
Yes, that is possible. However, we strongly advise against it. The exam is not a walk in the park, and the failure rate without prior participation in the four-day course is accordingly high.


Question:
When do I need to decide whether to take the exam?

Answer:
A decision can be made until the evening of the third day of the seminar.


Question:
How will I be prepared for the exam?

Answer:
The trainers will repeatedly point out exam-relevant topics during the seminar. In addition, there are self-study test questions for each chapter and an extensive collection of exam-like questions for each module that the trainers will discuss with you. On the evening of the third day of the seminar, all participants will be offered a test exam under exam conditions. The solutions will be provided afterwards. This way, you can prepare specifically the evening before the exam.


Question:
What is the exam process like?

Answer:
The exam takes place in a separate exam room on computers or tablets. You have 60 minutes to answer 40 questions. It is a multiple-choice test with exactly one correct answer per question. To pass the exam, at least 26 questions must be answered correctly. There is no penalty for wrong answers. Except for the note pads and pens provided by the training center, no aids are allowed during the exam - it is a so-called closed-book exam. During the seminar, the trainers will already show you how the online exam works via a special demo access to the exam portal.


Question:
I am a non-native speaker. Is there any bonus for this?

Answer:
Non-native speakers are granted an additional 15 minutes. Please discuss this with the trainer or exam supervisor beforehand.


Question:
When will I receive the results of my exam?

Answer:
The results will be communicated to you directly after the end of the exam session. That means you will receive information on how many correct answers you provided. This automatically determines whether you passed or not. If you pass the exam, you will receive your certificate by mail approximately two weeks later.


Question:
I have seen offers for three-day courses, wouldn't those be sufficient as well?

Answer:
The theoretical part can indeed be taught in just three days, but only in a PowerPoint rush. In contrast, we value including participants in practical examples, exercises, and structured exam preparation in our training offer, rather than just having them consume slides. Question rounds with the lecturer and course participants, sharing experiences, and "reports from practice" are further essential points on our agenda.


Question:
We would like to conduct an in-house training for our testing department. Do you offer the ISTQB™® seminar with exam as an in-house training?

Answer:
We are happy to offer the ISTQB™® seminar at your desired date at your location. Through our exam provider CERT-IT, we can conduct both online exams and traditional paper exams at your premises. Upon request, we will be pleased to provide you with an individual offer - feel free to contact us!